Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers didn’t pull any punches when discussing what he thought about the New York Giants benching quarterback Eli Manning this week.

“Honestly, I thought it was pathetic,” Rivers said per Los Angeles’ official website. “The guy, he’s been out there 210 straight games with no telling how many bumps, bruises and injuries for his team.

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“He won two Super Bowl MVPs, and the respect he’s had in the locker room over the years, and really the respect he’s gained throughout the league, you just feel like the guy has earned an opportunity. If they are in fact deciding to go another direction, I feel like he’s earned the opportunity to finish it off these last five weeks,” Rivers said.

Rivers and Manning’s histories are forever intertwined after Manning’s 2004 NFL Draft-day refusal to play for San Diego ultimately netting the team the former North Carolina State product.

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The Chargers’ gunslinger also knows what he’s talking about when it comes to consecutive starting streaks. Sunday’s contest against the Browns marks game No. 188 in a row he’s been under center for the Bolts.

That ranks Rivers fourth in NFL history behind only former Packers QB Brett Favre (297), Manning (210) and former Colts and Broncos QB Peyton Manning (208).